Even as adults, most of us can still recall childhood memories of playing outside with friends, which may have involved activities such as zooming through the streets on bikes and jumping from swings at great heights.
Those activities might sound a little unsafe, but they were integral to helping us gauge risk and develop an understanding of our capabilities.
However, times are different now. Kids don’t seem to be getting as much unstructured Playtime outdoors.
Instead, much of playtime nowadays seems to consist of electronic devices, arranged playdates, and short recesses at school, all of which usually involve constant adult supervision.
Less time is spent simply wandering in nature. With a decrease in Adventurous play comes an increase in physical and emotional problems, like childhood obesity and depression.
When children miss out on adventurous play, they have little opportunity to take risks and challenge themselves.
As a result, they don’t get to learn how to tackle obstacles and deal with negative feelings. Risky activities serve as teaching moments to help lead your child toward making better choices and taking the proper precautions.
At its core, adventurous play is a type of play that inspires kids to engage with their surroundings without major restrictions. Children choose what to play with, who to play with, where to play, and for how long they play.
It places emphasis on trying new things and figuring out how things work at a pace with which they’re comfortable. The play also relies on exercising a valuable source–a child’s imagination.
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Many studies on early childhood development have proven that incorporating an element of risk into playtime and allowing kids the freedom to explore has positive impacts on their development.
Participating in adventurous play can provide your child with a whole host of benefits. For example, it can help kids:
- Build independence
- Boost confidence
- Improve coordination, balance, and flexibility
- Practice problem-solving, decision-making, and creative thinking skills
- Encourage socialization
- Reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression
- Regulate emotions
Sometimes, it’s hard not to let your own fears get in the way, but it’s important to remember that allowing kids to guide their own playtime is essential to their well-being and has lasting benefits into adulthood.
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